PURI
The Abode of Lord Jagannath

VUDAYANA EPISODE

Among the host of accounts two deserve mention and elaboration. According to one version, the presiding Deity-Jagannath was once called Neelamadhava and, he was the son of Vudayana - a Pandian King. He was extremely fond of the aborigines of the place and became one with them following their ways of life and living. He endeared himself to them to such a degree of inimitable intimacy and compassion that they treated him as their God and guide, when he was alive. On his demise, they made an idol of him and started worshipping. This is the reason for the 'Sabaras' enjoying certain rights in matters of administration and performance of rituals to the main deities even to day.

The story goes further that this enchanting idol was carried away by force to Malwa by Mahapadma Nanda. Later, Kharavela, the King of Kalinga invaded the place and on defeating him, brought it back and installed it with all fanfare. In the ninth century, Yayata Kesari constructed an imposing shrine here. Finding it ruined, Anantha vanna Chodaganga started rebuilding it in the twelfth century. The present shape and size are given by his grand son, Anangabhima Deva, who spent the entire state revenue collected over 12 years. This account appears to be a blend of history and legend. Religion seldom escapes from this.

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